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“You have this young generation who have seen Britain excel and they believe they can do the same.”

“The biggest thing is we have belief as a country.”

His remarks were endorsed by Hugh Robertson, the Sports Minister.

“Our Olympic and Paralympic heroes have ensured that the plucky loser tag doesn’t belong anymore. Beijing in 2008 was fantastic but to then go even better in London 2012 was incredible."

Meanwhile, Edinburgh-born Sir Chris, 37, declined to become embroiled in the controversy over whether his fellow Scots should vote for independence.

"I don't want to get drawn into it. I've said numerous times how proud I am to be Scottish and how proud I have been to compete for Britain too, and I don't think these two things necessarily have to be mutually exclusive."

Sir Chris said he had retired from the sport as age caught up with him. “Your body does eventually wave a white flag.”

He admitted enjoying a few luxuries since being spared the demands of an elite sporting career. “I do like a piece of cake with my coffee.”

Despite giving up competitive sport, his enthusiasm for cycling – albeit at a gentler pace remains.

“I still love going out on my bike now.

“You come back feeling better after a road ride or a mountain bike ride.”